"Karl…"
That single, soft call sent a shiver straight through Karl.
Looking at Hancock—her cheeks lightly flushed as she half-reclined against the cushions—Karl had to admit his heart stirred despite himself.
"Wha—mmph!"
Hancock didn't bother waiting for him to finish. She suddenly lunged forward, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck and pressing her lips fiercely against his.
Karl's pupils trembled.
Hey—people can see this!
She started it first!
This is self-defense! Totally self-defense!
Instinctively, Karl pulled her into his arms, his past-life experience kicking in effortlessly. His control was refined… and his hands slowly began to wander.
So this is what kissing feels like?
It's amazing!
Wait… I heard that if you kiss, you'll end up with a baby!
If it's Karl's and mine, it'll definitely be beautiful…
What should we name it?
No, no! We should get married first!
—All of the above were Hancock's unfiltered inner thoughts.
No one knew how much time passed before Hancock suddenly snapped back to her senses. She pushed Karl away, flustered as she straightened her wrinkled cheongsam.
"Sorry, Karl… I—I'm not ready yet…"
Seeing Karl's stunned expression, she bit her lip and forced herself to continue, her voice barely audible.
"If you really… really can't bear it… then I—I…"
Karl burst out laughing, the restlessness in his chest finally fading.
"It's okay," he said gently.
"We still have a lot of time ahead of us."
Hancock snapped her head up, staring at him with burning intensity.
"Then… are we… a couple now?"
Karl hesitated—just for an instant.
That single moment sent Hancock's heart plunging straight into the abyss.
"So… you still look down on me… because I was once a lowly slave?"
Karl's eyes went wide in shock.
What kind of mental gymnastics is this woman doing right now?!
But he knew—he knew exactly what Hancock needed at this moment.
"…I knew it," she continued quietly. "I'm a pirate, and you're a Marine, after all—mmph!"
Roles reversed.
This time, Karl seized the initiative completely, not letting go until Hancock's heart was pounding wildly and she was nearly out of breath.
"Don't ever say things like that again," he said firmly.
"Do you hear me?"
Hancock curled up against his chest, letting out a soft hum in response—a tacit agreement.
"Darling," she said sweetly,
"The summons from Fleet Admiral Sengoku says I need to arrive at Marine Headquarters by January 5th for the Warlords' meeting. That's almost a whole week away."
She lifted her eyes to him.
"How about you stay here with me for the next few days?"
Karl frowned.
"Are you telling me how to do my job now?"
"I—I was just asking what you think! If you don't want to, it's fine…"
Seeing the faintly aggrieved look on her face, Karl smiled and kissed her cheek.
In fact, she had reminded him of something important.
There were still seven days before the meeting. Warlords had to arrive a day early, and after factoring in travel time, that left four full days.
Four whole days of prime slacking time.
No way was Karl wasting that.
That Night
For the sake of appearances—and resisting temptation with immense effort—Karl declined Hancock's invitation to stay the night in the palace.
Instead, he returned to the warship, choosing to "share hardships" with his subordinates.
Sharing joys?
Not mentioned at all.
"Well, well, if it isn't Major General Karl," Ain's voice rang out coolly.
"You still remember how to come back? Where's the person, huh?"
Her tone made it abundantly clear—someone was very unhappy.
"What person?" Karl asked innocently.
Ain snorted and pointed sharply at his face.
"Try wiping the lipstick mark off first."
Nelson, who had been eavesdropping nearby, sucked in a sharp breath.
No wonder they call him the world's most handsome man… Looks like the handsome guy really did get the beauty.
Karl calmly accepted the handkerchief Ain threw at him and wiped his face.
"…Hey," he paused. "Isn't this the handkerchief you use to wipe your nose?"
Ain instantly lost it.
"That's bullshit! Stop talking nonsense!"
With a heavy stomp, she stormed back into the cabin.
Watching her go, Karl shook his head and sighed.
"Ah… the hardest thing in life is dealing with affection from beauties."
Nelson couldn't help laughing—right until Karl shot him a look.
"What are you laughing at?"
Nelson clamped his mouth shut and fled with remarkable speed.
The Next Day
Karl gathered all Marines except logistics personnel for a briefing.
"You're fortunate," he announced.
"Lady Boa Hancock, the Empress of Amazon Lily and one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, has given permission."
"You are allowed to enter Amazon Lily to attend a banquet celebrating the lifting of the Gorgon Curse from the Boa sisters."
He swept his gaze across them.
"Now listen carefully. Maintain discipline. Follow me ashore and don't embarrass yourselves. Understood?"
"Understood!"
The Marines were practically vibrating with excitement.
Amazon Lily—an island of women only.
The legendary forbidden land for men.
And now they were allowed inside?
Major General Karl is insane!
No—legendary!
Standing beside Karl, Ain crossed her arms and snorted.
"Men…"
The Banquet
Amazon Lily was livelier than ever.
One reason was the celebration of the Gorgon Curse being lifted from the Boa sisters.
The other?
A group of men had arrived.
And no—this was not an exaggeration.
Women who had never seen a man before didn't even bother pretending. Their enthusiasm was blazing hot.
After all, previously only the Kuja Pirates—the royal guards—ever had a chance to accompany Lady Snake Princess to sea and see men.
Meanwhile, Nelson and the others were red-faced and awkward, looking strangely girlish despite themselves—though anticipation gleamed in their eyes.
As for Ain, she treated the whole thing like sightseeing, taking in the customs and scenery.
When beasts and even Sea Kings were dragged in as ingredients, the banquet officially began.
Several bold women took the initiative, dragging Marines around and bombarding them with questions. Once the ice was broken, more and more joined in.
Karl wisely stayed far away from the frontline.
With his looks and physique, if he went down there personally… he'd probably be eaten alive.
That said, Hancock was quite possessive.
On Amazon Lily, no one dared compete with her.
At that moment, Karl stood on the palace balcony with one arm around Hancock's slender waist, overlooking the lively celebration.
"Darling," she murmured softly,
"Can't you stay a few more days?"
Karl shook his head.
"I want to—but we have to leave early in case of unexpected situations."
Hancock sighed.
"What a pity… if only you could stay on Amazon Lily forever, with me."
Karl only smiled—giving no direct answer.
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